Latest news with #EmotionsoftheOceans
Muscat Daily
29-04-2025
- Muscat Daily
Dutch Culture Week opens, marking 400 years of ties
Muscat – The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman inaugurated Dutch Culture Week at the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muscat on Monday, marking 400 years of maritime relations between Oman and the Netherlands. The event highlighted the longstanding cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. H E Sheikh Khalifa al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, attended the opening as Guest of Honour, alongside Omani dignitaries, artists, students, Dutch residents and members of the public. At the centre of the evening was the opening of Food for Thought, a photographic exhibition by Dutch photojournalist and filmmaker Kadir van Lohuizen. The exhibition examines the global food supply chain across countries including the Netherlands, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, the US and China, using large-scale images and projections to reflect on agriculture, production and sustainability. The Wind Quintet of the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands performed at the launch, drawing praise for its emotionally resonant performance by young Dutch musicians. Also featured was Emotions of the Oceans, a student-led exhibition organised by the Green Life Art Center. It showcased 20 artworks by school students, focusing on marine conservation, climate change and cultural identity. The exhibition was widely appreciated for giving a voice to youth on environmental themes. In her opening remarks, H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, said, 'The power of culture- and art in particular – is that it can open doors to dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust. Art is a form of soft power that creates connection, challenges perspectives, and contributes meaningfully to public discourse. This role is especially vital in times of conflict and global instability. Culture helps us come together celebrate cultural diversity as a source of strength and resilience.' The event marked the beginning of a week-long programme including workshops, educational initiatives and other cultural activities, aimed at strengthening people-to-people connections between Oman and the Netherlands. The exhibitions will remain open to the public at Bait Al Zubair Museum for two weeks.
Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Children artists in Oman showcase Emotions of Oceans
Young artists in Oman shine in third edition of 'Emotions of the Oceans' exhibition which opened at Bait al Zubair Museum on April 28 As part of the 400 Years of Maritime Heritage between Oman and the Netherlands and the broader Cultural Week celebrations, Green Life Art Center, in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Oman, presented the 3rd edition of 'Emotions of the Oceans Art Exhibition and Competition'- a vibrant celebration of young creativity, emotional storytelling, and environmental awareness. The event brought together colourful reflections on marine life, showcasing the emotional and imaginative connection young artists aged 6 to 15 years old feel toward the oceans and marine life. The selected artworks were exhibited during the celebration of Dutch King's Day at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Muscat, on April 27 and were on display at the inauguration at Bait Al Zubair Museum on April 28, which also marks the opening of the Dutch Cultural Week. The exhibition will continue at Bait Al Zubair Museum until May 8 for public addition to Emotions of the Oceans, Green Life Art Center has slated two interactive eco-art workshops at Bait Al Zubair Museum during the Cultural Week. These sessions will feature activities such as Green Book storytelling, eco-art projects, and educational tours, inspiring students to connect with sustainability, creativity, and cultural exchange. Alongside the exhibition, Emotions of the Oceans featured a children's art competition, where around 60 artworks were submitted by schools and independent participants. After a careful and fair judging process, 20 paintings and 3 sculptures were selected, celebrating outstanding artistic expression and emotional depth, disclosed Niasa Mobtada, founder of Green Life Art Group who has been championing the cause of promoting art with a message among budding, young artists in Oman. The participating schools and centres this year included Apple Green Private School, Asas Private School, Downe House International School, Green Life Art Center, Najeya Bint Amer Al Hajri Government School, Pakistan School Salalah, PDO School, and Sultan's School, besides independent to the event, Creative Mentorship sessions were offered to all participants — providing general creative guidance, exploration of marine themes, and encouragement for artistic growth without offering any unfair advantage in the competition judging panel combined cultural, artistic, and educational expertise, and included H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, Maryam al Alawi, renowned Omani contemporary artist, Green Life Art Center Team, and experts in art, education, psychology, and special opening ceremony at Bait Al Zubair Museum featured a live Dutch orchestra performance, speeches by distinguished guests, alongside the celebration of the young artists' creativity — marking a beautiful union of art, education, sustainability, and cultural friendship. Through Emotions of the Oceans and its broader Cultural Week activities, Green Life Art Center continues to empower young voices, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen cultural bonds between Oman and the Netherlands through the universal language of art. Cultivating a creative future At Green Life Art Center, our key motive is to inspire young minds to see art not just as a skill, but as a powerful way to express their emotions, connect with their environment, and find their unique voice. As an interdisciplinary centre focusing on art, psychology, and literature, we nurture not only artistic techniques but also emotional intelligence, imagination, critical thinking, and personal growth. We place a strong emphasis on well-being and sustainability, helping children develop a deep connection with themselves, their community, and the world around them. Through initiatives like Emotions of the Oceans, we hope to cultivate a new generation of talented, thoughtful artists who will enrich the cultural and creative landscape of the sultanate in the years to come. Niasa Mobtada
